KR20130080529A - Key input device by near field communication and operating method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A key input device and an operation method of an NFC are provided to selectively connect various types of input devices in an NFC communication method. CONSTITUTION: A keypad unit (180) comprises multiple keys. A second NFC antenna unit (155) and a second NFC transceiver (160) perform the mobile unit and NFC. A charge unit (165) converts an alternative current into a direct current through an electric wave. An analysis unit (170) determines a key value corresponding to the pressed key in the keypad unit. The analysis unit supplies the determined key to the second NFC transceiver. [Reference numerals] (105) First NFC antenna unit; (110) First NFC transceiver; (115) Communication managing unit; (120) Touch induction screen; (125) Control unit; (155) Second NFC antenna unit; (160) Second NFC transceiver; (165) Charge unit; (170) Interpreting unit; (175) Storing unit; (180) Keypad unit

Description

Key input device by NFC communication method and its operation method {Key input device by near field communication and operating method}

The present invention relates to a key input device of the NFC communication method and its operation method.

Recently, various portable devices, such as a smart phone, a tablet PC, etc., which are portable and have a voice and video call function, an internet access function, and an electronic book function, have been developed.

These mobile devices have a common feature of increasing portability and increasing the size of a screen so that more information can be displayed. That is, the touch-sensitive screen is provided in the space secured to the maximum size, and most of the user's key input is implemented by a virtual keypad touch presented on the display screen.

The virtual keypad presented on the display screen is implemented to generate different input signals for each partitioned touch area, and a user may input letters, numbers, or symbols by using a touch-sensitive screen capable of touch input.

However, the virtual keypad displayed on a part of the display screen has a high possibility of a typo occurring as a result of inexperienced operation or unintended operation of the user, and has a problem in that the input speed is lowered.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method for maximizing the usability and convenience of use of a mobile device by maximizing a user's operation convenience while securing a display area of the mobile device to the maximum.

In addition, in the case of a game, a screen configuration that puts a virtual input key on the screen is more difficult, and the design of the game is also limited. The problem of not using the entire screen and leaving part of the virtual key area becomes more difficult considering the movement path of the hand when two or more keys are pressed at the same time. If the touch screen is not a multi-touch, pressing the two keys at the same time there is a problem that the desired value is not input. Therefore, there is a need for a method of reducing errors even in a fast key manipulation situation.

The present invention provides a NFC input method key input device and its operation method to maximize the usability and ease of use of a mobile device by selectively connecting and using a variety of types of input devices in the NFC (Near Field Communication) communication method It is to provide.

The present invention is to provide a key input device of the NFC communication method and its operation method that does not require a separate power supply by providing a key value according to the user operation to the portable device using the induction current as a power source.

Other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following description.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a key input device comprising: a keypad including a plurality of keys; An antenna unit and an NFC transceiver for performing NFC (Near Field Communication) communication with the mobile device; A charger unit which converts an AC current induced in the antenna unit into a DC current and charges the radio wave output from the portable device; And an analyzer configured to determine a key value corresponding to the pressed key among the plurality of keys included in the keypad and provide the NFC to the NFC transceiver for NFC communication.

The key value may be provided to the mobile device by NFC communication using the power provided from the charger unit.

The keypad unit may further include one or more keys for switching to a sleep mode and releasing a sleep mode. When a key for switching to a sleep mode is input, the key input device is configured to release the sleep mode. The sleep mode may be set until the key is input.

The charger unit may include: a rectifier rectifying and converting an AC current induced in the antenna unit into a DC current; And it may include a charger for charging the direct current.

The analyzer may interpret a command received from the mobile device through the NFC transceiver, and if the command is for device ID transmission, may provide a pre-stored device ID to the NFC transceiver for NFC communication. .

The upper surface of the antenna unit may be formed to have a flat surface for mounting the mobile device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a key input device, the method comprising: performing communication connection setting for performing NFC (Near Field Communication) communication with a mobile device; Determining a key value corresponding to a pressed key among a plurality of keys included in the keypad unit; And performing a process for reading the determined key value in the mobile device by an NFC communication method, wherein the processing for reading the determined key value in the mobile device is caused by the radio wave output from the mobile device. Provided is a method of operating a key input device, which is performed by using a power source charged by converting an alternating current induced in an antenna unit into a direct current.

The keypad unit further includes one or more keys for switching to a sleep mode and releasing a sleep mode, and when a key for switching to a sleep mode is input from among a plurality of keys included in the keypad unit, The sleep mode may be set to be maintained until a key for release is input.

A method of operating a key input device may include determining whether there is no key input using the keypad unit for a predetermined time; And when there is no key input, switching the operation mode to a sleep mode and waiting.

A method of operating a key input device may include determining whether a command is received from the mobile device through an NFC communication method; If there is a command received, determining that the received command is for device ID transmission; And if the command is for transmitting a device ID, providing a pre-stored device ID to the mobile device through an NFC communication method.

Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, by using the NFC (Near Field Communication) communication method can be selectively connected to the various types of input devices can be used to maximize the usability and ease of use of the mobile device.

In addition, by using an induced current as a power source, a key value according to a user's operation is provided to a portable device, thereby eliminating the need for a separate power source.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mobile device and a key input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the charger unit of the key input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3A and 3B are external views of a key input device according to embodiments of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a key input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected to or connected to that other component, but it may be understood that other components may be present in between. Should be. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that there are no other elements in between.

The terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprises" or "having" and the like refer to the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, But do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

Also, the terms " part, "" unit," " module, "and the like, which are described in the specification, refer to a unit for processing at least one function or operation and may be implemented by hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software .

In the following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof will be omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mobile device and a key input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the charger unit of the key input device according to an embodiment of the present invention 3A and 3B are an external view of a key input device according to embodiments of the present invention.

The key input device 150 is connected to the mobile device 100 through a NFC (Near Field Communication) communication method, and the mobile device 100 according to the user's operation in order to operate the mobile device 100 according to the user's intention. ) The key input device 150 may be a device that provides a user manipulation command to the mobile device 100 by being interconnected with the mobile device 100 through a short range wireless communication method such as an auxiliary keypad or a gaming keypad.

The portable device 100 may be an electronic device implemented to perform one or more functions such as a voice and video call function, an internet access function, an electronic book function, and the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the mobile device 100 may include a first NFC antenna unit 105, a first NFC transceiver 110, a communication manager 115, a touch sensitive screen 120, and a controller 125. It may include.

The first NFC antenna unit 105 may be formed in a loop shape, for example, as an antenna for NFC communication with the key input device 150, and the length of the loop antenna may be adjusted to values of inductance and capacitance when designing the antenna. have. The first NFC antenna unit 105 may be formed in, for example, a battery pack, and the formation position thereof may vary.

The first NFC transceiver 110 is a device from the transmitter (Tx) and the key input device 150 for transmitting a command for instructing the transfer of the device ID (ID) and / or key value to the key input device 150 It may include a receiver (Rx) receiving an ID and / or key value. Here, the receiver may function as a reader, for example, to read key values provided by the key input device 150.

The communication manager 115 checks whether the key input device 150 to be established for NFC communication connection exists and, if present, performs communication connection setting with the corresponding key input device 150, and then controls the first NFC transceiver 110. Through the input of the key value provided from the key input device 150 to the control unit 125 to perform the processing according to the user operation. The communication manager 115 may newly set up a communication connection if the corresponding device is a new device with reference to a device ID received from an arbitrary device.

In addition, the communication management unit 115 is a sleep mode (that is, the power is applied if the key value is not received for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) from the key input device 150, the NFC communication connection setting is complete As an operation mode in which no operation is performed in a state, the first NFC transceiver 110 may be controlled to wait in a state mode that consumes a minimum current and waits for the next command from the outside, and periodically wakes up ( The first NFC transceiver 110 may be controlled to operate in an active mode when the key input device 150 detects that a key value to be transmitted is present. Here, since the operation speed of the user using the key input device 150 (for example, about 1.2kbps as about 10-20 times per second) is significantly slower than the NFC communication speed (for example, about 108kbps). If the key value is not received for more than a predetermined time, it is obvious that the mobile device 100 does not cause a problem in the communication process even if the mobile device waits in the sleep mode.

The touch-sensitive screen 120 performs both a display function of displaying visual information and a function as an input device for receiving a user operation.

The controller 125 receives the key value provided from the key input device 150 from the communication manager 115 and performs a process corresponding to the key value. By the processing of the controller 125, the processing result according to the user's operation will be output through the touch-sensitive screen 120.

The key input device 150 includes a second NFC antenna unit 155, a second NFC transceiver 160, a charger unit 165, an analyzer 170, a storage unit 175, and a keypad unit 180. ) May be included.

The second NFC antenna unit 155 may be formed as, for example, a loop shape as an antenna for NFC communication with the mobile device 100, and the length of the loop antenna may be adjusted to values of inductance and capacitance when designing the antenna. .

The second NFC transceiver 160 is a device provided from the receiver Rx and the analyzer 170 that receives a command for instructing the transfer of the device ID and / or key value from the mobile device 100. It may include a transmitter (Tx) for transmitting the ID and / or key value to the mobile device (100). Here, the transmitter may convert the device ID and / or key value received from the receiver into an RF signal and transmit it to the mobile device 100.

For example, the receiver may include a demodulator for converting an RF signal received from the mobile device 100 to a baseband signal, an ADC converter for converting the baseband signal to a digital signal, and a command to interpret a command from the converted digital signal. It may be implemented to include a transmitter 170 to be transmitted, the device ID and / or key value corresponding to the interpreted command to the transmitter. Of course, the analysis unit 170 for interpreting the command from the converted digital signal to transmit the device ID and / or key value to the transmitter as described below may be separated into independent components.

The charger unit 165 may use a current induced in the antenna as a power source. In general, in the case of an RFID tag, a current of about several tens of mA is provided from the antenna, and the key input device 150 according to the present embodiment has a feature of utilizing the current as a driving power source.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the charger unit 165 rectifies an AC current induced by the second NFC antenna unit 155 and converts it into a DC current, and a capacitor 220 charging the rectified current. ). When the amount of charged current is above a certain level, NFC communication is performed by supplying power to each component.

The magnitude of the current induced in the second NFC antenna unit 155 may vary depending on the size of the antenna and the intensity of radio waves output from the mobile device 100. Experimentally, when the key input device 150 according to the present embodiment considers that about 2 mA is consumed in the process of key value transmission, the second NFC antenna unit 155 is about 20 mA for key value transmission and driving of each component. The size of the antenna may be formed to generate an induced current. Of course, the required size of the consumed current and the induced current in the process of key value transmission and the like may vary depending on factors such as an experimental environment and an internal design characteristic of the key input device 150.

The interpreter 170 interprets the command of the mobile device 100 received through the second NFC transceiver 160, and reads the device ID from the storage 175 when the command is a command for requesting the device ID. It provides to the second NFC transceiver 160. In addition, the interpreter 170 reads a key value corresponding to the pressed key from the storage unit 175 when the user presses any key using the keypad unit 180 and provides the second NFC transceiver 160 to the second NFC transceiver 160. . As described above, the analyzer 170 may be implemented by being included in the second NFC transceiver 160.

The analysis unit 170 is an operation mode in which a key pressed by the user on the keypad unit 180 is in a sleep mode (ie, does not perform any operation in a state where power is applied). Check whether it is a sleep key (sleep key) for mode switching to the standby mode, and if it is a sleep key, the second NFC transceiver 160 is controlled to function in the sleep mode.

The storage unit 175 stores a device ID, a key value corresponding to each key of the keypad unit 180, and the like. The storage unit 175 may be, for example, a read-only memory (ROM).

The keypad unit 180 is composed of a plurality of keys each designated so that a user can input numbers, letters, symbols, and the like.

The keypad unit 180 may further include a sleep key. When the user presses the sleep key, as described above, the second NFC transceiver 160 may be switched in mode to maintain the sleep mode. It is maintained until the mode release key is pressed, and the sleep mode is maintained even if the user presses a key other than the sleep mode release key. When the user presses the sleep key to operate the key input device 150 to operate in the sleep mode, the mobile device 100 performing NFC communication, for example, a one-to-one communication method, may communicate with the corresponding key input device 150. You will be able to exit and establish a new connection with another NFC communication device.

3A and 3B illustrate the external appearance of the key input device by way of example.

FIG. 3A illustrates an external appearance of the key input device 150, and FIG. 3B illustrates a state in which the key input device 150 and the portable device 100 are coupled to each other.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 3A, the second NFC antenna unit 155 may be formed to extend upward of the keypad unit 180, and may be carried on the upper surface of the second NFC antenna unit 155. The device 100 may be mounted. In order to be fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the second NFC antenna unit 155, the mobile device 100 may have magnets inherently coupled to each other by magnetic force, or may be attached to a peripheral portion of the second NFC antenna unit 155. A government may be formed and the portable device 100 may be fixedly attached by the fixing unit. Of course, in addition to the portable device 100 and the key input device 150 may be a variety of ways to be fixedly coupled.

3B illustrates a case in which the mobile device 100 is combined with a key input device 150 for a game. In the case of a game, the user may proceed with both hands after fixing the first and second key input devices 150a and 150b on both sides of the mobile device 100 as shown.

4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, in step 410, the mobile device 100 starts an NFC communication function for communication with a key input device 150 located nearby.

In operation 415, the mobile device 100 determines whether an NFC device (that is, the key input device 150) for performing communication in the NFC communication method is detected.

If the key input device 150 is not detected, the process proceeds to step 420 to operate in the sleep mode, but periodically wakes up and proceeds to step 415 to repeat the sensing operation of the key input device 150. .

However, if the key input device 150 is detected, the process proceeds to step 425 to determine whether a new communication setting for NFC communication is required. For example, if it is determined that the new communication connection is necessary by referring to the device ID of the NFC device received during the NFC device detection process, the new communication setting is additionally established when the communication connection is established with another NFC device. If it is determined that it is necessary may be performed.

If it is determined in step 425 that a new communication connection is required, the process proceeds to step 430 to perform a new communication connection with the detected key input device 150.

However, if the corresponding key input device 150 is a device in which a communication connection has already been established, the process proceeds to step 435 to determine whether a key value is read from the corresponding key input device 150 by the NFC communication method.

As a result of the determination in step 435, if the key value is not read out, the process proceeds to step 415 again.

At this time, if the communication connection with the key input device 150 is established, but the key value is not read for a specified time or more, the mobile device 100 may switch to the sleep mode and wait for the purpose of power saving. If it is determined that the input of the key value is resumed from the key input device 150 while the device is in the sleep mode, the mobile device 100 may perform a new communication connection setting in steps 415 to 430. Stored communication connection setting information may also be used. To this end, the mobile device 100 may transmit a command to provide the device ID to the key input device 150.

Of course, even if the sleep mode is not switched, the key input device 150 may repeatedly provide the device ID to the mobile device 100 at a predetermined time period, and the time interval and / or the device ID for switching to the sleep mode may be provided. For example, a time interval for repeatedly providing the key input device 150 and the portable device 100 may be mutually registered and managed in a process of establishing a communication connection.

As a result of the determination in step 435, if the key value is read, the mobile device 100 determines whether the read key value is a valid key value in step 440.

If it is a valid key value, the process proceeds to step 445 where the mobile device 100 is manipulated in the manner specified for the key value. Here, if a process of interpreting the read key value for use by the mobile device 100 is required, the process may be preceded.

However, if it is not a valid key value, the flow proceeds to step 450 where the read key value is ignored. For example, if the key value read by the determination of step 440 is a value abnormally generated due to a device failure, the key value may be ignored by step 450.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a key input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 510, the key input apparatus 150 determines whether an arbitrary key is pressed.

As a result of the determination in step 510, if no key is pressed, the flow proceeds to step 515 to determine whether a predetermined time has been exceeded to switch to the sleep mode without any key being pressed.

If the specified time has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step 510 again. If the specified time has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step 520, the mode is switched to the sleep mode, and the process proceeds to the step 510. The sleep mode will be switched to the active mode by the user's key input.

As a result of the determination in step 510, if any key is pressed, the flow proceeds to step 525, where the key input device 150 determines whether communication connection is established with the mobile device 100 for performing NFC communication.

If the communication connection has not been established, the process proceeds to step 530 to perform a communication connection for NFC communication.

However, if the communication connection is established, the process proceeds to step 535 where the key input device 150 determines the key value corresponding to the pressed key value with reference to the information stored in the storage unit 175, and the key value is the mobile device 100. To be read by

The user may control the operation of the mobile apparatus 100 using the key input device 150 through the steps 510 to 535 shown.

To briefly describe the process, each key provided in the keypad unit 180 is pressed by a user's finger or other object to return to its original state, and while the signal is pressed, a signal related to the key press is pressed. The signal is transmitted to the analysis unit 170 and maintained in a valid state. When the key is released, the corresponding signal will be erased. Similarly, when a plurality of keys are simultaneously or sequentially pressed, each key value will be transmitted to the mobile device 100 through the second NFC transceiver 160. That is, the mobile device 100 reads the key value at any moment when the key value is maintained (for example, when the key value is on, when it is kept on or when the key value is off).

If the mobile device 100 is operating in the sleep mode when the user presses any key of the key input device 150, the key input device may be activated by the periodic wake-up processing of the mobile device 100 and the NFC device detection operation. The 150 may recognize that there is a key value to be delivered, and read the corresponding key value. To this end, the mobile device 100 operating in the sleep mode outputs an RF signal with a minimum current, and the key input device 150 may read the key value corresponding to the pressed key in response to the mobile device 100. The mobile device 100 recognizes that the key input device 150 is in the standby state, and then switches to the active mode so that NFC communication is resumed.

In addition, although not shown in FIG. 5, the keypad 180 may further include a sleep key. When the user presses the sleep key, the key input device 150 may enter the sleep mode until the sleep mode release key is pressed. It may be implemented to remain as described above.

Naturally, the above-described method of operating the key input device may be performed by an automated procedure in a time series order by a program embedded in or installed in the digital processing device. The codes and code segments that make up the program can be easily deduced by a computer programmer in the field. In addition, the program is stored in a computer readable medium readable by the digital processing apparatus, and is read and executed by the digital processing apparatus to implement the method. The information storage medium includes a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, and a carrier wave medium.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the following claims And changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

100: mobile device 105: first NFC antenna unit
110: first NFC transceiver 115: communication management unit
120: touch-sensitive screen 125: control unit
150: key input device 155: second NFC antenna unit
160: second NFC transceiver 165: charger unit
170: analysis unit 175: storage unit
180: keypad 210: rectifier
220: capacitor

Claims (11)

In a key input device,
A keypad unit including a plurality of keys;
An antenna unit and an NFC transceiver for performing NFC (Near Field Communication) communication with the mobile device;
A charger unit which converts an AC current induced in the antenna unit into a DC current and charges the radio wave output from the portable device; And
A key input device including an analysis unit for determining a key value corresponding to the pressed key of the plurality of keys included in the keypad unit to provide to the NFC transceiver for NFC communication.
The method of claim 1,
The key input device, characterized in that the key value is provided to the mobile device by the NFC communication using the power provided from the charger.
The method of claim 1,
The keypad unit further includes one or more keys for switching to a sleep mode and releasing a sleep mode.
And when a key for switching to the sleep mode is input, the key input device maintains the sleep mode until a key for releasing the sleep mode is input.
The method of claim 1,
The charger portion,
A rectifier for rectifying and converting an alternating current induced in the antenna unit into a direct current; And
And a charger for charging the DC current.
The method of claim 1,
The interpreter interprets a command received from the mobile device through the NFC transceiver, and if the command is for device ID transmission, the device ID, which is stored in advance, is provided to the NFC transceiver for NFC communication. Key input device.
The method of claim 1,
The upper surface of the antenna unit is a key input device, characterized in that it is formed to have a flat surface for mounting the mobile device.
In the operation method of the key input device,
Performing a communication connection setting for performing Near Field Communication (NFC) communication with the mobile device;
Determining a key value corresponding to a pressed key among a plurality of keys included in the keypad unit;
Performing a process for reading the determined key value from the mobile device by an NFC communication method,
The processing for reading the determined key value from the portable device is performed using a power source charged with converting an alternating current induced in the antenna unit into a direct current due to radio waves output from the portable device. Operation method of input device.
The method of claim 7, wherein
The keypad unit further includes one or more keys for switching to a sleep mode and releasing a sleep mode.
And a sleep mode is maintained until a key for releasing a sleep mode is input, when a key for switching to a sleep mode is input among a plurality of keys included in the keypad unit.
The method of claim 7, wherein
Determining whether there is no key input using the keypad unit for a predetermined time; And
And if there is no key input, switching the operation mode to a sleep mode and waiting.
The method of claim 7, wherein
Determining whether a command is received from the mobile device through an NFC communication method;
If there is a command received, determining that the received command is for device ID transmission; And
If the command is to transmit a device ID, the method of operating a key input device further comprising providing a pre-stored device ID to the mobile device in the NFC communication method.
A program which is tangibly embodied and can be read by a digital processing device in order to carry out the method of operating the key input device according to any one of claims 7 to 10. Recording medium.

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